ScienceSpace mirrors could ruin astronomy — and your eyes

Space mirror projects envision satellites reflecting sunlight onto Earth to provide solar energy at any hour. Futurists have considered the concept for more than a century, and Russian scientists tested it during the 1990s through the Znamya project. The proposed technology could create serious problems for astronomy while also posing risks to human eyesight. Its promise of on-demand sunlight therefore comes with potentially damaging consequences.

space mirrorsastronomysolar energylight pollution

TThe Verge★★☆☆☆2026-08-10 11:00Original